Month: January 2018

The Russian press continues to discuss the surprise attack on the Russian air base in Syria at Hmeimim that occurred on New Year's Eve. When Kommersant, on the basis of authoritative sources, originally reported the event as not only entirely unanticipated but also highly destructive of men and machines, a vigorous rebuttal as to the … Continue reading The Attack on Russia’s Air Base in Syria

Plunging into the bloody quagmire of Syria was certainly much easier than getting out, and although Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was leaving Syria to its own devices and was withdrawing its forces, declaratory policy and operational policy never matched up. This much is evident not just because Russia has reinforced its air and naval … Continue reading Putin’s Dilemma in Syria Sharpens

Interviewed by the chief editor of Komsomolskaya Pravda, Vladimir Putin showed no interest in making any concessions to resolve outstanding international issues. He congratulated Kim, North Korea's dictator, on winning the game in attaining a strategic nuclear capability. He refused to concede that Russia had interfered in the US elections in 2016. He bitched about … Continue reading Putin Disinclined to Make Concessions Before Elections

While President Trump was welcoming the bloody demonstrations on the streets of Iran, the Russian press remained vociferously silent. This is scarcely surprising. The New Year does not look so welcoming. A key piece on the geopolitical chessboard in the Kremlin is in danger of being lost: the Islamic bishop. Moscow has stuck its neck … Continue reading Is This the Beginning of an Iranian Revolution?